formulate

1 of 2

verb

for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
Synonyms of formulate

transitive verb

1
a
: to reduce to or express in a formula
formulate the area of a rectangle
b
: to put into a systematized statement or expression
formulate long-term goals
c
: devise
formulate a policy
formulate a plan
2
a
: to develop a formula for the preparation of (something, such as a soap or plastic)
a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures
b
: to prepare according to a formula
formulate the vaccine against malaria
formulator
ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce formulate (audio)
noun

formulator

2 of 2

noun

for·​mu·​la·​tor -ˌlātə(r) How to pronounce formulator (audio)
-ātə-
plural -s
: one that formulates
especially : a developer of commercial and industrial formulas

Synonyms of formulate

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Verb

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Examples of formulate in a Sentence

Verb a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures the doctor was trying to formulate a good way to tell her that she would need surgery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
This is different from regular tape in that the adhesive is formulated to be kinder to sensitive skin. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026 In recent weeks, Maile helped Royals starter Noah Cameron formulate a plan to call his own pitches. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026 The powerhouse product is formulated with a triple vitamin C complex to deliver a bright, even, radiant complexion. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 Beneficiaries of this trend tend to be later-stage companies with strong revenues, scale, and a firm handle on customer needs, rather than seed and series A startups that are still formulating their strategy, investors told Semafor. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formulate

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of formulate was in 1855

Phrases Containing formulate

Rhymes for formulate

See All Rhymes for formulate

Browse Nearby Words

formulatable
formulate
formulation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formulate. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

formulate

verb
for·​mu·​late ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt How to pronounce formulate (audio)
formulated; formulating
1
: to express in a formula
2
: to put in systematic form : state definitely and clearly
formulate a plan
formulation
ˌfȯr-myə-ˈlā-shən
noun
formulator
ˈfȯr-myə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce formulate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formulate

Nglish: Translation of formulate for Spanish Speakers

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